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When Marina Lisser was 14, she decided to take up dancing, despite the fact that in her native Russia, she was considered much too old to start. Firmly flouting social convention, she thrived, competing at the professional level and landing a fifth-place finish in the European Cup finals. Eventually, she went on to earn a master's degree in Dance Forms and write a dissertation on the psychology of competition.
But none of that prepared her for the shock that awaited her when she landed in New York City to work for Fred Astaire Dance Studios in 1993. She hadn't realized she'd be teaching a totally new kind of student: adult amateurs. She'd only taught professionals and children who wanted to dance for a living. If 14 was too old to start dancing in Russia, how would she teach adults in America?
Through trial and error, she figured it out by ignoring, according to a feature in Democrat and Chronicle, whatever holds her students back. "I'm one of those horrible Russian teachers," Marina confessed. "We want what we want; there is no such thing as limits."
Today, she and her staff of instructors specialize in two styles: American Smooth and Rhythm, and International Standard and Latin. Students learn to waltz, tango, and foxtrot atop the ballroom's sprung wood floor, which cushions feet and joints, while wall-length mirrors help them self-correct their form. In addition to teaching social dance skills and helping affianced couples prepare for their first dance, the instructors also ready competitive dancers to take first place medals in everything from cabaret dancing to swing, often by deftly prancing over the laser security systems that guard them. Marina is certified in dance therapy, as well as social and competitive wheelchair dancing, to make dance accessible to everyone.

Flames dance inside the wood-fired oven at The Gate House Cafe, heating its gleaming surfaces to temperatures as high as 700 degrees. The oven's radiant heat is the backbone of the eatery's rustic, comfort-driven menu, yielding dishes that range from gourmet pizzas and chicken wings to wood-fired macaroni and goat cheese.
Neapolitan-Style Pizzas
Gate House Cafe's pizzas are named after Rochester landmarks, but their culinary inspiration comes from southern Italy. Chef Ross Hopkins and his team knead dough made with Tipo 00 Italian flour, topping it off with organic mozzarella and tomatoes from San Marzano valley. They serve creative pies, too, such as the ones below, and often use ingredients from their organic garden.
The MAG
The Park Avenue
Asiago and ricotta cheeses lend an extra layer of creaminess to the MAG pie, and fried eggplant adds toothsome texture.
Hummus is an unexpected pizza-topper, but here, it works well alongside grilled vegetables, goat cheese, roasted garlic, and tomato coulis.
The Strasenburgh
Gluten-Free or Vegan
With toppings that include blackened sirloin, blue cheese, and asparagus, The Strasenburgh delivers the sumptuousness of a steak-house dinner in pizza form.
Chef Hopkins is happy to accommodate gluten-free and vegan diners.
A Conscientious Culinary Philosophy
Conscientious culinary practices are intrinsic to the menu at The Gate House Cafe. Hopkins and his team embrace sustainability by serving cage-free eggs and organic dairy products. The restaurant goes beyond using ecofriendly ingredients, though. The Gate House Cafe operates solely on solar and wind power.

At Juan & Maria's Empanada Stop, a bell chimes regularly throughout the day, ringing along with the festive Latin music in the background. Its sound does not indicate the time, however?it greets every 50th customer to the empanada hot spot and rewards him or her with $5 worth of complimentary Spanish cuisine. When Chilean couple Juan and Maria Contreras opened their stand in 2000, they rarely had the opportunity to use the bell, as they were serving between 10 and 20 empanadas on any given Saturday. Today they dish out a minimum of 1,000 empanadas each day, vying to beat their current record of 1,504 empanadas sold in eight hours.
Their popularity stems in part from a commitment to traditional, healthy cooking methods. Each of their empanadas is handmade and stuffed with one of 12 types of filling, including 90% lean beef and pork as well as vegetarian options. The deep fryers are filled with light salad oil, and none of the menu items include chemicals or preservatives. Juan and Maria extend the same homemade treatment to their fruit juices, which can be frozen and sold as "Juan-sicles," and their four hot sauces: green gold, red gold, spanish mayo and spanish ketchup.
Attitude accounts for a second element of the pair's success. Their mix of hospitality and cultural pride draws diners to the turquoise shop, where Juan exuberantly lists the specials to newcomers. They have hosted the Juan & Maria's International Spanish Festival for the past four years, showcasing customs from 20 Spanish-speaking countries alongside their empanadas.

Property Location
With a stay at Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside, you'll be centrally located in Rochester, steps from Rochester Riverside Convention Center and minutes from Monroe Community College. This eco-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Blue Cross Arena and Geva Theatre Center.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 465 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Enjoy recreational amenities such as a fitness facility and a seasonal outdoor pool. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.
Dining
Satisfy your appetite at the hotel's restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). At the end of the day, relax with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, business services, and audiovisual equipment. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center, conference/meeting rooms, and small meeting rooms. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary at scheduled times, and a train station pick-up service is also provided at no charge.

Property Location
Located in Rochester, Residence Inn by Marriott Rochester is in the business district and convenient to Sports Centre at MCC and Fair and Expo Center. This hotel is within close proximity of Marketplace Mall and Strong Memorial Hospital.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 152 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. Your bed comes with cotton sheets, and all rooms are furnished with queen sofa beds. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, and flat-panel televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, as well as multi-line phones with free local calls and voice mail.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Enjoy recreational amenities such as a 24-hour fitness facility and a seasonal outdoor pool. Additional features include complimentary wireless Internet access, a fireplace in the lobby, and a picnic area.
Dining
Grab a bite from a grocery store serving guests of Residence Inn by Marriott Rochester. Meet other guests and eat at the complimentary light meal reception, held at early evening on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and business services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary during limited hours.

Property Location
When you stay at Holiday Inn Rochester Airport in Rochester, you'll be near the airport and convenient to University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital. This hotel is within close proximity of Susan B. Anthony House and Diplomat Banquet Center.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 279 air-conditioned rooms featuring CD players. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, a concierge desk, and gift shops/newsstands.
Dining
Grab a bite at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). At the end of the day, relax with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Breakfast is available for a fee.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include a business center, a computer station, and business services. Planning an event in Rochester? This hotel has 10000 square feet (900 square meters) of space consisting of conference/meeting rooms, small meeting rooms, and a ballroom. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).

Groupon Guide

Rochester Guide

Rochester is a city that’s full of entertainment and a lively nightlife. Browse through any Rochester guide, and it’s easy to see that there are plenty of activities for everyone. Despite being a small city in terms of size, Rochester things to do abound by the dozens, including museums, wineries, and even an amusement park. In addition to great places and things to do, Rochester deals are plentiful in this vibrant city.

Finding things to do in Rochester is not difficult. To start out with, the city has many museums that offer a variety of enthralling learning and cultural experiences. The Rochester Museum and Science Center is designed to spark curiosity in folks of all ages. Children can participate in hands-on learning exhibits, such as optics and engineering, while adults can learn more about instrumental elements of American History at various exhibits, such as the Underground Railroad exhibit. Walk along the underground trail that was traveled by many during the days of slavery as they continued on their quest for freedom.

During the summer months, run around at Seabreeze Amusement Park, a great way for families to spend some quality time together. Ride roller coasters, splash down waterslides, and munch on classic amusement park food, like corn dogs and cotton candy.

Many restaurants call Rochester home, and the city is full of all types of cuisine to suit any budget. Tapas 177 Lounge on Saint Paul Street provides a gorgeous candle-lit atmosphere with its modern Spanish flair for those seeking a low-key restaurant with excellent food. Families with children looking for a dining spot can experience Soul Food in Rochester with a visit to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, where the signature sesame-seed buns are the talk of the town.

Despite the city’s small size of only 37 square miles, Rochester is packed with fun things to do, places to eat, and is truly a city that everyone can enjoy.

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“Despite being a small city in terms of size, Rochester things to do abound by the dozens, including museums, wineries, and even an amusement park.”